Bridge Collapse in Shanxi Province Claims 12 Lives Amid Widespread Flooding in China

In China’s northern Shanxi province, a tragic bridge collapse has claimed at least 12 lives and left 31 people missing. The incident occurred in Zhashui County, part of the city of Shangluo, when a section of the bridge fell into a river late Friday evening. Recent heavy rains and flash flooding contributed to the collapse, causing significant damage as 17 cars and 8 trucks plunged into the water.

Search and rescue operations are in full swing, with efforts being spearheaded by China’s national fire and rescue authority. By Saturday afternoon, the response included nearly 900 rescue personnel, 90 vehicles, 20 boats, and 41 drones. Despite these extensive measures, only one person has been rescued so far.

In response to the disaster, President Xi Jinping has urged an all-out effort to find and assist the missing, emphasizing the urgency of flood control measures. His call to action reflects the severe impact of the recent floods across China, which have compounded existing weather challenges.

In addition to the Shanxi incident, other regions in China are also facing severe flooding. In Henan province, over 100,000 residents have been evacuated due to widespread flood damage. Similarly, in Sichuan province, flash floods in Hanyuan County have left more than 30 people missing, with the floods hitting early Saturday morning and causing substantial destruction to infrastructure and homes.

These incidents highlight the broader issue of extreme weather conditions affecting China, where recent droughts and high temperatures had already strained resources. The sudden shift to intense flooding has exacerbated the situation, creating a critical need for ongoing emergency response and flood management efforts across affected areas.